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> Car Tips, Advice and Troubleshooting <
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Car Tips, Advice and Trouble shooting >Member's, add your tips/links/comments<
Car Talk Test Drive Notes
Find out what Tom and Ray have been Test Driving, and read their reviews.
All About Electric Vehicles
Everything you ever wanted to know about electric vehicles, including explainers, FAQs, a buying guide and much more.
First Cars
Remember yours? Share stories, see Tom and Ray's first car stories, and get advice about buying your first car.
Hybrid Vehicles
What's a hybrid? How do they work? Should you buy one? Answers here.
Secret Tricks of Car Salesmen
Car Talk goes undercover and gets the inside scoop, from operative "Deep Plaid."
Diesel Zone
Vastly cleaner, new diesel engines and fuel are here. Here's the lowdown.
Car Talk's Guide to Alternative Fuels
Tired of the petro-industrial complex? Get the lowdown on ethanol, biodiesel, and straight vegetable oil.
Car Talk Auto Advisor
Need help picking your next car? Our human-vehicle matching quiz helps you narrow down the options.
OWNING
Car Talk Car Survey
Review your car. And see what other owners are saying.
Service Your Car
Tips from Tom and Ray for simple maintenance you can do yourself.
Our Top Ten Lists
Cars we hate the most, signs you should pull over, and lots more. Here's Car Talk's Top 10 lists.
Keep Your Car Running
Tips from Tom and Ray to help your car last forever.
Car Talk Safety Page
Sign up for email alerts, check recalls, and file complaints in our new safety area.
Car Complaints
Ever wonder what problems others are having with your car? Find out now!
Guide to Better Fuel Economy
Forking over too many dineros at the pumps? Check out these tips and cut back on your addiction today.
Premium vs. Regular
Can you use regular, when your owner's manual calls for premium? Here's Tom and Ray's take.
Do-It-Yourself Guide
Want to change your own oil, but have visions of your own backyard Deepwater Horizon? Check out Tom and Ray's DIY tips. You might actually fix your car -- and save money in the process.
Car Talk's Roadside Survival Guide
What's in your trunk? Here are Tom and Ray's suggestions.
Car Noise Emporium
Got a noise coming from under the hood? Play nearly 30 car noises and get the official diagnosis.
Change a Flat with Car Talk
Check out Click and Clack's official guide and get tips for a safe flat-tire pit stop.
Car Cleaning Tips from a Pro
Get the lowdown on tidying up your car, both inside and out.
Car Tips, Advice and Trouble shooting >Member's, add your tips/links/comments<
Car Talk Test Drive Notes
Find out what Tom and Ray have been Test Driving, and read their reviews.
All About Electric Vehicles
Everything you ever wanted to know about electric vehicles, including explainers, FAQs, a buying guide and much more.
First Cars
Remember yours? Share stories, see Tom and Ray's first car stories, and get advice about buying your first car.
Hybrid Vehicles
What's a hybrid? How do they work? Should you buy one? Answers here.
Secret Tricks of Car Salesmen
Car Talk goes undercover and gets the inside scoop, from operative "Deep Plaid."
Diesel Zone
Vastly cleaner, new diesel engines and fuel are here. Here's the lowdown.
Car Talk's Guide to Alternative Fuels
Tired of the petro-industrial complex? Get the lowdown on ethanol, biodiesel, and straight vegetable oil.
Car Talk Auto Advisor
Need help picking your next car? Our human-vehicle matching quiz helps you narrow down the options.
OWNING
Car Talk Car Survey
Review your car. And see what other owners are saying.
Service Your Car
Tips from Tom and Ray for simple maintenance you can do yourself.
Our Top Ten Lists
Cars we hate the most, signs you should pull over, and lots more. Here's Car Talk's Top 10 lists.
Keep Your Car Running
Tips from Tom and Ray to help your car last forever.
Car Talk Safety Page
Sign up for email alerts, check recalls, and file complaints in our new safety area.
Car Complaints
Ever wonder what problems others are having with your car? Find out now!
Guide to Better Fuel Economy
Forking over too many dineros at the pumps? Check out these tips and cut back on your addiction today.
Premium vs. Regular
Can you use regular, when your owner's manual calls for premium? Here's Tom and Ray's take.
Do-It-Yourself Guide
Want to change your own oil, but have visions of your own backyard Deepwater Horizon? Check out Tom and Ray's DIY tips. You might actually fix your car -- and save money in the process.
Car Talk's Roadside Survival Guide
What's in your trunk? Here are Tom and Ray's suggestions.
Car Noise Emporium
Got a noise coming from under the hood? Play nearly 30 car noises and get the official diagnosis.
Change a Flat with Car Talk
Check out Click and Clack's official guide and get tips for a safe flat-tire pit stop.
Car Cleaning Tips from a Pro
Get the lowdown on tidying up your car, both inside and out.
Last edited by BeachBumMike; Mar 23, 2015 at 07:24 AM.
Official Car Talk Guide to Jump-Starting Your Car
Ever wonder how to jump start your car — without exploding yourself into the next zip code? Our Official Car Talk Guide to Jump Starting Your Car can help.
Scam Detector
MPG-boosting additives, devices and more: are they all scams? Find out.
How to Be a Great Customer
What can you do other than bring fresh brownies? The lackeys of Car Talk sat down to discuss this very topic with Tom and Ray.
Is Your Car Toxic?
Get the lowdown on the chemicals in your car.
Where to Repair? Dealer or Independent
Who's right for you — and who's less expensive? Check out results of a Car Talk study.
Go Right to the Top
Not getting satisfaction? Here's how to contact your car manufacturer's Big Enchilada.
Special Needs Zone
Do you use a wheelchair, are you sized a bit differently, or do you require adapative equipment for your jalopy? Our Special Needs Zone can help.
DRIVING
Safe Driving Zone
Planning on having an accident? Neither are we. Check out tips from Tom and Ray to keep it that way.
Summer Driving Tips
Cramming the family in the wagon for a summer road trip? Spare yourself the misery of a breakdown. Check our summer driving tips first.
Car Talk's Guide to Favorite Car Apps
We wanted to know the best car apps out there. To find out, we turned to you, our loyal Car Talk fans. Here's what you said.
Teen Drivers
Driving hints and tips for teen drivers — and their parents.
Avoiding The Blind Spot
Reset those mirrors! Here's a great new way to avoid that dreaded blind spot.
Learn to Drive Stick
Tom and Ray's tips for learning to drive a manual transmission vehicle.
The Official Car Talk Guide to Civil Driving
Are you sure you're not the jerk? Here are a few humble suggestions for making life on the road a little more tolerable.
FIDO Zone
Does your favorite passenger have four legs and a tail? Sit, stay, and be sure to read our best dog-car advice!
Snow Traction Devices
From chains to mats and lots more, read reviews and share your experience with accessory traction devices.
Global Warming And Your Car
Here's one way to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from your car.
Trip Planner
Firing up the RV for a road trip to the World's Largest Ball of Lint in East Moosejaw? Our Car Talk Trip Planner should be your first stop.
Winter Driving Tips
Is there anything worse than breaking down in January? Here's how to keep motoring safely through snow, sleet, and bitter cold.
Eco Area
Tom and Ray's useful tips for becoming an enlightened, granola-empowered driver.
SELLING
Sell It Yourself
Thinking about selling your car, but not sure how to do it? Step-by-step instructions, hints, and tips on selling your car, from Tom and Ray.
POPULAR MECHANICS MARKETPLACE
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Hot Summer Car Care Tips
Fluids like coolant, motor oil and windshield washer fluid are things motorists can regularly check on their own. Engine coolant, sometimes called antifreeze, is the number one thing motorists should stay on top of in the summer months. Since modern cars have a closed system for coolant, checking or adding coolant is easy. This is generally done through the coolant reservoir located under the hood. Consult your owner's manual for a specific location. Be sure the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markings, adding more if necessary. But never open the radiator cap or coolant tank lid when the engine is hot.
Tire pressure is also important, especially in summer months. As the outside temperature climbs, the air in your car's tires expands, so check your tire pressure when the tires are at a normal temperature - before you set out on a road trip. Also, be sure to use the proper tire pressure for your car, not the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Check the recommended tire pressure label in the door jamb or glove compartment, or consult your owner's manual.
Tires that are over- or underinflated can reduce the vehicle's handling capability or generate excess heat, causing a blowout. Although most newer cars have an on-board tire pressure monitoring system, get a good quality tire pressure gauge - a dial-type analog unit or digital gauge, not a straight, pen-type one - and check them yourself every few months. Don't forget to check the pressure in your spare tire, too. It's like an insurance policy. You never know when you might need it.
Along with the heat, summer also means more long-distance road trips that reveal the high cost of poor fuel economy. So it's a good time to keep up periodic maintenance like oil and filter changes and inspection or replacement of the air cleaner and fuel filters. Not only are these essential to the durability of your engine in the long term, but neglecting them will cause poor fuel economy in the short term, too. Performing regular maintenance means it will take less fuel to make that long highway trip. Maintaining proper tire pressure and using cruise control on the highway can further improve fuel economy, keeping your summer fuel costs down.
While air conditioning can be a drag on fuel economy in stop-and-go driving, keeping the windows up and the a/c on improves aerodynamics and is ideal on the highway. Plus, it will keep the driver and passengers comfortable and reduce driver fatigue. Have your air conditioning system checked annually. If your car's a/c is not getting cold, chances are you have a leak in the system. Adding refrigerant will only solve the problem temporarily, so invest in a proper repair. Some a/c systems have a cabin air filtration system. Check your owner's manual to see how often the filter should be changed. And if you see a little water dripping from your car, don't worry. The a/c system drains condensation when it's working properly.
Keeping your car cool when you're not driving is important, too. The heat of the summer sun can cause cosmetic damage to your car and make it harder to cool off inside when it's time to drive. Protect your paint and interior by parking in a garage or under an awning when possible. Regularly wax your vehicle using a polish with UV protection to reduce sun damage and paint fading. Protect the interior, too. Purchasing a $10 sunshade that keeps sunlight from coming in the windshield can reduce fading, drying and cracking inside your vehicle, and keep you cooler when you sit down behind the wheel.
Preparation is a key to handling harsh summer heat. Following these simple tips will help your vehicle to perform its best this summer. Not only will you and your vehicle be better prepared to survive the heat, but you'll also make the most of your summer by enjoying the freedom that a well-cared-for car can offer. That certainly beats being stranded in the heat.
What it means to you: Don't get stranded in the heat. Maintain your car year-round, but make special preparations for dealing with the hazards of summer, too.
NICK PALERMO is an automotive writer and lifelong car nut. He follows new and late-model used vehicles for AutoTrader.com, writes about vintage cars for Hemmings Classic Wheels and blogs on all things automotive at LivingVroom. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and twins.
- Check your fluids and perform regular maintenance.
- Confirm proper tire pressure to avoid a blowout and improve fuel economy.
- Keep yourself cool with a/c and your vehicle cool by parking in the shade.
Fluids like coolant, motor oil and windshield washer fluid are things motorists can regularly check on their own. Engine coolant, sometimes called antifreeze, is the number one thing motorists should stay on top of in the summer months. Since modern cars have a closed system for coolant, checking or adding coolant is easy. This is generally done through the coolant reservoir located under the hood. Consult your owner's manual for a specific location. Be sure the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markings, adding more if necessary. But never open the radiator cap or coolant tank lid when the engine is hot.
Tire pressure is also important, especially in summer months. As the outside temperature climbs, the air in your car's tires expands, so check your tire pressure when the tires are at a normal temperature - before you set out on a road trip. Also, be sure to use the proper tire pressure for your car, not the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Check the recommended tire pressure label in the door jamb or glove compartment, or consult your owner's manual.
Tires that are over- or underinflated can reduce the vehicle's handling capability or generate excess heat, causing a blowout. Although most newer cars have an on-board tire pressure monitoring system, get a good quality tire pressure gauge - a dial-type analog unit or digital gauge, not a straight, pen-type one - and check them yourself every few months. Don't forget to check the pressure in your spare tire, too. It's like an insurance policy. You never know when you might need it.
Along with the heat, summer also means more long-distance road trips that reveal the high cost of poor fuel economy. So it's a good time to keep up periodic maintenance like oil and filter changes and inspection or replacement of the air cleaner and fuel filters. Not only are these essential to the durability of your engine in the long term, but neglecting them will cause poor fuel economy in the short term, too. Performing regular maintenance means it will take less fuel to make that long highway trip. Maintaining proper tire pressure and using cruise control on the highway can further improve fuel economy, keeping your summer fuel costs down.
While air conditioning can be a drag on fuel economy in stop-and-go driving, keeping the windows up and the a/c on improves aerodynamics and is ideal on the highway. Plus, it will keep the driver and passengers comfortable and reduce driver fatigue. Have your air conditioning system checked annually. If your car's a/c is not getting cold, chances are you have a leak in the system. Adding refrigerant will only solve the problem temporarily, so invest in a proper repair. Some a/c systems have a cabin air filtration system. Check your owner's manual to see how often the filter should be changed. And if you see a little water dripping from your car, don't worry. The a/c system drains condensation when it's working properly.
Keeping your car cool when you're not driving is important, too. The heat of the summer sun can cause cosmetic damage to your car and make it harder to cool off inside when it's time to drive. Protect your paint and interior by parking in a garage or under an awning when possible. Regularly wax your vehicle using a polish with UV protection to reduce sun damage and paint fading. Protect the interior, too. Purchasing a $10 sunshade that keeps sunlight from coming in the windshield can reduce fading, drying and cracking inside your vehicle, and keep you cooler when you sit down behind the wheel.
Preparation is a key to handling harsh summer heat. Following these simple tips will help your vehicle to perform its best this summer. Not only will you and your vehicle be better prepared to survive the heat, but you'll also make the most of your summer by enjoying the freedom that a well-cared-for car can offer. That certainly beats being stranded in the heat.
What it means to you: Don't get stranded in the heat. Maintain your car year-round, but make special preparations for dealing with the hazards of summer, too.
NICK PALERMO is an automotive writer and lifelong car nut. He follows new and late-model used vehicles for AutoTrader.com, writes about vintage cars for Hemmings Classic Wheels and blogs on all things automotive at LivingVroom. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and twins.
Thanks Twin `Dale for your post & words. Yes, I found many of the links very helpful & informative. I hope our member's check it out...The below is one link that is great to check on auto complaints...Click it & check what the complaints are on the Chevy Monte Carlo
Car Complaints <Click
Ever wonder what problems others are having with your car? Find out now!
wow BB-Mike it took you some time to put all this together! I booked marked it also
still too cold here in Lansing to detail the Deuce yet (and she is getting pretty upset about it)
still too cold here in Lansing to detail the Deuce yet (and she is getting pretty upset about it)
I just do it cause I care & hope it helps someone...I also learn from the information I find on the web...I'm so thankful 2 `be connected to the Web...How can anyone ever get bored `if they have access to the WWW (WOW)
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